I just heard a crazy rumor

[YEH]

The Cadenza is sized between the K900 and Optima. Genesis Motors doesn't have a car like it. The Optima would be the closest relative to the G80. The Optima should have no trouble having the same interior volume expected in cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series - no more; no less. It should not be an issue...

I suppose in that (unlikely) scenario, the Cadenza would go by the wayside.

Regarding RWD, doubtful that such a thing will happen, but seen in the remarks by Kia's head of product development, seems like AWD is a real possibility (Kia's core lineup will remain mainstream).

However, the Optima/Sonata are due for a new platform and the 2 are at the later stages of their current life-cycle, so either Hedrik is being coy (in only saying it's a possibility) and that it's further along than what he is letting on or it's going to have to wait until the next, next gen models.

Now, that's not to say that Kia won't be expanding its RWD/luxury lineup - Hedrik has also hinted at a K900-based CUV (and presumably a Stinger-based one as well) and there have been rumors of Kia maybe bringing the Novo concept to production as a RWD sedan to slot underneath the Stinger.

While I really like the design of the Novo, would be better for Kia to do a smaller lux CUV (a lux lineup of 2 sedans and 3 CUVs would be enough for Kia).

 

[Waynerm002]

Personally, I want to see the Novo come to market in a RWD/AWD platform with interior space similar to the Forte along with electrification. Do a turbo/hybrid setup and full battery version with some performance cred. I have hoped they would have a performance Optima with the hybrid system, along the line of the BMW 530e. This current generation is the best driving and handling Optima they have put out and I can only imagine what will come next. While I love the Stinger GT’s power, I would be happy to have a 2.0T with more power or even a hybrid version to provide more range but not loose the responsive driving feel and handling. The 2.0T with it’s current output isn’t enough, in my opinion, to sufficiently have fun in that heavy body. It needs something in the 300hp/tq area. If they could have done a super-turbocharged engine like Volvo or a 2.5T, that would be nice.

Still I’m excited to see what the Optima brings to the table in the next version. I like how the refresh will lose the large wheel gap that has plagued it from the start. I also hope they do something to pep it up to stay competitive with the new Accord and Camry, not that I would get one of those but man, they really went and make their cars look better. Of course the new Mazda 6 with it’s turbo engine will add another salvo from the Japanese and they way they have refined it, that car could do big things for them.

 

[YEH]

This current generation is the best driving and handling Optima they have put out and I can only imagine what will come next.

Expect the next gen Optima to be a good bit better in the handling dept. (even more so if AWD becomes a reality).

The refreshes for the Optima and Sonata improved the ride/handling combo for both, but there's only so much the engineers can do on the current platform.

While I love the Stinger GT’s power, I would be happy to have a 2.0T with more power or even a hybrid version to provide more range but not loose the responsive driving feel and handling. The 2.0T with it’s current output isn’t enough, in my opinion, to sufficiently have fun in that heavy body. It needs something in the 300hp/tq area. If they could have done a super-turbocharged engine like Volvo or a 2.5T, that would be nice.

There is a new turbo 2.5L coming that will push out at least 300 HP (more HP should be possible) for RWD application, but is still about 2 yrs away (will be 1st used in the next gen G80).

There is supposed to be a hybrid variant of the Stinger (probably not til the facelift), but haven't heard much about it lately (actually wouldn't mind a mild hybrid attached to the new 2.5TT).

Regardless of more power, the next gen Stinger needs to lose some weight (which is what the new RWD platform family H/K are developing are supposed to do).

Just imagine the lighter, next gen Stinger w/ the 2.5TT or the next gen Lambda TTV6 - as good as the current Stinger is, the next one should be quite something.

Still I’m excited to see what the Optima brings to the table in the next version. I like how the refresh will lose the large wheel gap that has plagued it from the start. I also hope they do something to pep it up to stay competitive with the new Accord and Camry, not that I would get one of those but man, they really went and make their cars look better. Of course the new Mazda 6 with it’s turbo engine will add another salvo from the Japanese and they way they have refined it, that car could do big things for them.

The 2.5TT for FWD application is supposed to put out around 280 HP; considering that the 2.0TT puts out nearly that much in the i30N, getting to 300 HP should be doable (probably will be reserved for the N models).

The new Theta III 4 cyl engines will not only be more powerful, but are supposed to be more thermally efficient.

The 8 spd AT replacing the old 6 spd should also help things, but H/K are working on a (wet?) 8 spd DCT for the i30N and other N models.

Wouldn't be surprised if that DCT ends up in the SX trim for the Optima (and GT overseas).

 

[Waynerm002]

I did read they were working on a few new engines and my guess is they are probably working on getting these to market in the updated Sorento or some other sporty CUV and the next gen Optima since they didn't do much in the way of powertrain changes to them. Well, the Sorento got the 8 speed transmission but nothing on the Optima. That was surprising since Accord and Camry's redesign made them sportier. Maybe they did make some changes but it will not be mentioned until the press gets their hands on it. The ride height looks lower in photos so I'm guessing there are some suspension changes but who know what else they did with it. The Korean versions didn't show a updated 2.0T so no info on it.

Having a DCT in the Optima with a boost in power would be nice but I think they need to give the Stinger Premium a power bump as well. Dropping some weight would be even better but that might take some re-engineering and won't happen until the next version.